Former police officer from Lincoln jailed for rape of young boy

A former Lincolnshire Police officer has been jailed for life after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing a young boy.

William Andrew Wright, 30, was ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years before he can be considered for release.

Judge Simon Hirst placed Wright on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Judge Hirst, passing sentence at Lincoln Crown Court, told Wright: “I am satisfied that your offences are so serious that a sentence of life imprisonment must be imposed.

“It is important that you and everyone else in this case should understand that the minimum term is not a fixed term. It is the minimum term you will spend in custody before you can be considered for release by the Parole Board. It will be for the Parole Board to decide whether you should be released.”

Wright, formerly of Bucknall near Lincoln, had denied six charges of rape together with charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration but was found guilty by a jury in May at the end of a trial.

The offences occurred between 2006 and 2008 after Wright came into contact with the boy through his involvement with the scouting movement.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting, said that the victim was only 11 years old when Wright began sexually abusing him.

She said some of the offences occurred after Wright took the boy back to his flat on the University of Lincoln campus.

On one occasion Wright, removed the boy’s trousers and brutally beat him with a belt leaving him crying in pain before then raping him.

She told the court that the victim began self-harming as a result of what was happening and continues to be affected by the abuse.

The court heard that Wright is currently a serving prisoner having been given an indefinite jail sentence for public protection in 2011 when he admitted 32 sexual offences against young boys.

Michael Cranmer-Brown, in mitigation, urged the judge to take into consideration the fact that Wright has already been in custody for seven years having been remanded in 2010 following his arrest for the offences which led to his 2011 conviction.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Wright’s appalling campaign of abuse will have caused untold damage to his young victims – including the boy he targeted in this distressing case.

“The bravery shown by his victim during this trial should give strength and hope to child sexual abuse survivors everywhere. They do not need to suffer in silence and will be listened to.

“Any adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline 24/7 on 0808 8005000 while children can contact Childline free and confidentially on 0800 1111.”

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